Tuesday, November 27, 2007
798-5800
Picente
Urges
As the cold weather heating season begins, Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr., today reminded area homeowners who purchase firewood of the state regulations that govern firewood sales.
“County government has received complaints that some buyers may not have received the full value for the wood they purchased,” Picente said. “The Oneida County Bureau of Weights and Measures exists to help consumers by educating buyers and sellers as well as enforcing applicable laws when necessary. Because many firewood dealers sell wood on an informal basis, they may not be aware of their responsibilities. Likewise, homeowners may not be aware that the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Law regulates firewood sales. I urge both buyers and sellers to be aware of the regulations to avoid problems after the sale.”
Picente said consumers who feel they have been unfairly treated should contact the Oneida County Bureau of Weights and Measures at 793-6246 or measures@ocgov.net.
John E. Meyer Jr., Director of the Oneida County Bureau of Weights and Measures, said, “When you sell firewood you must provide a receipt that includes a declaration of responsibility, identity, and quantity. You are stating to the buyer exactly who you are and what they are paying for.”
Meyer said the declarations are as follows:
Declaration
of Responsibility
1)Name and Address of the seller
2)Date of the sale
3)Price of the quantity sold
4)Quantity or dimensions of the wood sold.
Declaration of Identity
1) The seller must identify the type of wood. Hardwoods are species like maple, oak and cherry burn longer than softwood species. Wood from conifers (pines), aspen, poplar, basswood, butternut, willow and grey or paper birch may not be advertised as hardwood,
2) If the seller advertises the wood as "seasoned", the length of time and manner of seasoning must be specified.
Declaration of Quantity.
1) All firewood sales and advertising must include the three dimensions of the wood, which is the length, width and height, with the wood ranked and well stowed.
2) Wood may be sold by weight if the quantity exceeds two cords.
3) Processed wood, such as wood chips, hogged bark, slabs and edgings, pelletized wood and shavings shall be sold by weight or volume.
4) Whole logs may be sold by weight, by log scale according to any recognized log rule which is specified, by length and diameter of the logs, or by the volume of the truck bed, plus count.
“Most firewood dealers are honest and hard working individuals trying to make a living,” Picente said. “Many serve the same customers faithfully year after year. For people who are making their first purchases, or buying for the first time from unknown dealers, we urge you to take some steps to be just as careful buying firewood as you would in making any other major purchase.”
Meyer
said the following tips will help
1) Keep the advertisement of the seller that you chose to purchase the wood from.
2) Be present when the wood is delivered.
3) Take a photo of the load of wood before it is unloaded if possible.
4) Ask the seller to stack the wood (you may have to pay extra for this service) and measure the pile before the seller leaves.
5) Get a receipt for your purchase that includes the sellers name address and phone number, the date of the sale, the quantity of the wood purchased and the price. The seller is required by law to provide a receipt to you.
6) Get the license number and description of the delivery vehicle.
“Reputable firewood dealers will gladly give a receipt. If the seller resists or avoids giving a receipt, that’s a danger signal,” Meyer said, urging that anyone who believes they received less than they ordered and paid for contact the Oneida County Bureau of Weights and Measures at 793-6246 or measures@ocgov.net.